Space Weather Research Scientist Job in Exeter, England

Space Weather Research Scientist Job Description

Generic role: Scientist
Profession: Science and Engineering
12 month fixed-term, Full time at Met Office, Exeter
Closing date for applications: 8 February 2013

Background information

Space Weather is a developing area of work at the Met Office. The all Hazards guidance now provided by Met Office forecasters includes alerts of space weather events. We have also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center which covers exchange of data, development of space weather services, forecaster training and collaboration on space weather research. One initial focus of Met Office space weather research is the development of a thermosphere / ionosphere data assimilation system.

This work takes place as part of collaborative European Framework 7 projects ATMOP (Advanced Thermospheric Modelling for Orbital Prediction) and ESPAS (Near-Earth Space Data Infrastructure for e-Science). The project objectives include the development of data assimilation modules for the thermosphere and ionosphere, and the assessment of the performance of the data assimilation system, and associated first principles thermospheric models, against independent observations and other data assimilation approaches. A longer term aim is to implement this system operationally at the Met Office.

Specific job purpose

Design, develop and test a data assimilation system for the thermosphere and ionosphere to meet the objectives of the ATMOP and ESPAS projects, leading to the eventual operational implementation of a space weather data assimilation system at the Met Office.

Specific job responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, installation and testing of a thermosphere and ionosphere data assimilation system, and associated first principles models, to meet the requirements of the ATMOP and ESPAS projects.
• Present results at ATMOP and ESPAS project meetings, international conferences, and meetings with other partners or customers, to heighten awareness of our work.
• Interact with UK and international research partners, and with colleagues in other parts of the Met Office (eg Hazards Centre), to seek feedback, and opportunities for new research initiatives or operational developments.
• Document and lodge relevant code into the relevant existing Met Office software systems (eg OPS), or into new, space weather-specific, software systems, as appropriate, to ensure that the code can be utilised and further developed by other Met Office staff.
• Write papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate, to raise the visibility and reputation of the Met Office in this field.

Space Weather Research Scientist Job Requirements

Qualifications, skills and abilities required

Essential

• A good degree (2.1 or above or 2.2 with postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience) in a physical science, mathematics or a related subject.
• Evidence of effectively achieving major scientific goals with minimal supervision or guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully present material via briefings and seminars to scientific colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific reports and publish scientific papers.
• Evidence of contributing positively to team working responsibilities and of effectively achieving team goals.
• Good scientific computing skills (in eg Fortran) and demonstrated ability to effectively use software applications (eg IDL).
• A background in, or demonstrated interest in, space weather and/or the thermosphere and ionosphere.

Desirable

• Ability to effectively communicate with non-specialists in order to publicise, and gain further support for, Met Office research activities (eg in space weather).
• Experience in using Met Office numerical modelling or data assimilation software systems (UM, VAR), or equivalent.
• Experience of data assimilation techniques or equivalent (eg inverse methods).

Additional supplementary information
There is a possibility for this post to be extended beyond 12 months, subject to receiving additional funding.

Application forms and further information
Please mark your request or returned application form: Space Weather Research Scientist 002650 R

Please complete this form (using Adobe Reader 9 or above). You can save the form part-way through and return to it later, using the Adobe Reader toolbar. Once you are happy with it submit it using the button at the end of the form. Alternatively, print the form out, complete by hand, and return by post.  

Download application form (PDF, 199 kB)
Guidance notes and information for applicants (PDF, 57 kB)

If you require a Microsoft Word version of the application form, please email [email protected] including the words 'application request' in the subject line. An automatic email will be returned to you immediately. If you have not received an email within 48 hours then please contact us.

Alternatively, you can call or write to:

HR Customer Services
Met Office
FitzRoy Road
Exeter
EX1 3PB
Tel: 01392 885000

We are unable to reply to each applicant individually. If you have had no response from us within four weeks of the closing date please assume you have been unsuccessful. If you meet the sift criteria but have applied more than three times for the same or similar job within the last two years, it will be up to the recruiting manager's discretion whether to offer you an interview.

Space Weather Research Scientist Application Information

Please apply with your CV and cover letter by the 'apply' button below.

Please use "Qreer.com" as reference in your application. 

Space Weather Research Scientist Summary

Education Backgrounds:	Mathematics Physics Software Engineering
Specialties:	Application Development Experimental Physics
Education Level:	Undergraduate (Bachelors) Postgraduate (Masters)
Experience:	10 - 15 years 2 - 5 years 5 - 10 Years
Languages spoken:	English
Job Location:	Exeter, England

Apply